AbeBooks book blog

Own Jane Austen’s Gold and Turquoise Ring

In just 5 short days (from the writing of this post), a ring once owned by Jane Austen could be yours. Sotheby’s is putting the turquoise and gold piece up on July 10th.

[with:] autograph note signed by Eleanor Austen, to her niece Caroline Austen, “My dear Caroline. The enclosed Ring once belonged to your Aunt Jane. It was given to me by your Aunt Cassandra as soon as she knew that I was engaged to your Uncle. I bequeath it to you. God bless you!”, 1 page, November 1863, with address panel on verso and remains of black wax seal impression, fold tears; also with three further notes by Mary Dorothy Austen-Leigh detailing the ring’s later provenance, 5 pages, 1935-1962

You’ll have to want it fairly badly, though – it’s expected to bring in between 20,000 and 30,000 GBP (approx US $31,000 – $46,000).